Destin VIP’s • Sandestin Morgan Freeman Dinner for Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center Story by Proffitt PR - Photography by Pure 7 Studios T he exquisite home of Lynn and Steve Dugas was filled with 36 guests from around the local area and across the country on Saturday evening, July 27, 2013. The Dugas family entertained with an exclusive dinner that was prepared by renowned area chef, Gary Serafin, and hosted special guest of honor, Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. Wine aficionados Michael and Valerie Thompson, began organizing and hosting parties in their Miramar Beach residence, which over the years has officially become the home of Marla Lomax, Valerie Thompson, Tamy Pierce, Lisa Heitz, the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown to benefit numerous local Lynn Dugas, Morgan Freeman & Peggy Adams charities along the Gulf Coast. This past April, the 7th Annual Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown was comprised of numerous events that began with a golf tournament at Emerald Bay Golf Club, a Sip ‘n Shop ladies tour along the Scenic 30-A Corridor, Krewe & Brew at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and an impressive finalé, the infamous Throwdown, a backyard barbecue with fine wine vintners, celebrities and guests at the home of CCMT founders, the Thompsons. One special component of the Throwdown is the expansive selection of unique live auction items including an evening with Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman that raised over $80,000 for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. To date, through all of Chi Chi Miguel’s events, over $1.6 million dollars have been raised, and more importantly, 100% of the proceeds have benefited local and area charities. The Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown Celebrity dinner is an integral part of the fundraising process. Lynn and Steve Dugas graciously hosted a stellar evening where guests spent time Cindy Sturdivant & Steve Dugas Valerie & Mike Thompson, Morgan Freeman with Freeman, noshed on an elegant five-course wine dinner prepared by Chef Gary Serafin of Emerald Coast Catering & 30-A Gourmet and danced the night away with entertainment by NBC’s The Voice’s Geoff McBride and SolShine band member, Joey Shaling. Once again, Morgan Freeman, who graciously donated his time for the third year in a row, kicked up his heels on the Emerald Coast, this time on the bayou. Morgan Freeman toasted the guests and said, “I can’t say how much I always enjoy being with this group for this purpose. I am very honored and pleased with your generosity and inclusion of me for this cause to help children.” "We are delighted he feels comfortable here,” Lynn Dugas said. “We are honored he provides us an opportunity to raise money for the children. It's important to him to help children, a definite soft spot in his heart, as well as ours." Mr. Freeman autographed a large format of Kosta Browne Wine, donated by renowned wine maker Dan Kosta whom provided the wines for the five-course meal. The 3L bottle of wine was auctioned for a whopping $12,000. Freeman also entertained guests by singing with Geoff McBride and Joey Brothers Christian, Tyler Dugas, Morgan Freeman, Steve & Lynn Dugas Shaling to “Let’s Stay Together” and “Mustang Sally”. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • 75